[Sonography and conventional radiography for post-operative local infections in the upper abdomen (author's transl)]

The findings on sonography and radiography were compared in 32 patients with abscesses or empyemas in the upper abdomen following surgery. Sonography demonstrated each of eight liver abscesses, eleven of 21 upper abdominal empyemas and three abscesses or empyemas in other positions. Corresponding figures for radiography were five out of eight liver abscesses, 16 out of 21 upper abdominal empyemas and one of the remaining lesions. The methods are complimentary. Sonography demonstrates fluidfilled cavities, radiography shows particularly the presence of extraluminal gas. Recommendations are made for the proper sequence of these diagnostic measures.